Derek Chauvin: Wife of police officer charged with George Floyd murder files for divorce

The wife of the former police officer charged with the murder of George Floyd has filed for divorce.

Kellie Chauvin, wife of Derek Chauvin, the officer who was filmed kneeling on Mr Floyd's neck for at least eight minutes, is said to be "devastated by Mr Floyd's death."

Ms Chauvin's lawyers said in a statement: "'This evening, I spoke with Kellie Chauvin and her family.

"She is devastated by Mr. Floyd’s death and her utmost sympathy lies with his family, with his loved ones and with everyone who is grieving this tragedy. She has filed for dissolution of her marriage to Derek Chauvin."

"While Ms Chauvin has no children from her current marriage, she respectfully requests that her children, her elder parents, and her extended family be given safety and privacy during this difficult time," the statement obtained by Minnesota television station​ WCCO went on.

Chauvin has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter after Mr Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died after being arrested in Minneapolis for allegedly attempting to use counterfeit money.

The former officer can be seen kneeling on Mr Floyd's neck for at least eight minutes in a video that was circulated online.

Mr Floyd's death has sparked riots in cities across the US for four days so far, with protesters chanting "we can't breathe" and "black lives matter."

Confrontations have often turned violent, with at least two people killed so far, including a teenager in Detroit on Friday. Police are investigating their deaths.

Several buildings have also burnt down, including a Minneapolis police station.